Derrick Silove, Zachary Steel, Ina Susljik, Naomi Frommer, Celia Loneragan, Robert Brooks, Dominique le Touze, Vijaya Manicavasagar, Mariano Ceollo, Mitchell Smith and Elizabeth Harris
There are ongoing concerns that asylum seekers who have been tortured and who suffer trauma‐related mental disorders are being refused protection by countries in which they seek…
Abstract
There are ongoing concerns that asylum seekers who have been tortured and who suffer trauma‐related mental disorders are being refused protection by countries in which they seek asylum. The study described here assessed a consecutive sample of recently arrived asylum seekers attending immigration agents in Sydney, Australia, using a series of structured measures. Participants were followed up to assess the outcomes of their refugee applications. The 73 participants, who had resided in Australia for an average of 4.3 months, reported high rates of torture (51%), and that group was at highest risk of suffering a combination of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression, a response pattern associated with substantial levels of psychosocial disability. Neither past torture nor current psychiatric disorder influenced the outcomes of refugee applications. The study raises further concerns that tortured asylum seekers and others with trauma‐related mental disorder may be at risk of repatriation to their countries of origin.
Azzeddine Allioui, Badr Habba and Taib Berrada El Azizi
After completion of the case study, students will be able to examine the financial implications of Maghreb Steel’s substantial investment in the Blad Assolb complex in 2007 within…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
After completion of the case study, students will be able to examine the financial implications of Maghreb Steel’s substantial investment in the Blad Assolb complex in 2007 within the restructuring plan; explore how this decision influenced the company’s financial health and strategic position in the steel market, within the context of the restructuring plan; assess the impact of the 2008 economic crisis within the restructuring plan; analyze how the crisis affected the company’s pricing strategies, profitability and overall business strategy; investigate the financial and strategic consequences of the hot rolling activity initiated as a result of the Blad Assolb project within the company’s restructuring plan; and critique how this venture impacted the company’s operations, cost structure and competitiveness in the steel industry, aligned with the restructuring plan.
Case overview/synopsis
This case study deals with the only flat steel producer in Morocco: Maghreb Steel, the Moroccan family-owned company created in 1975 by the Sekkat family. It was a leading steel company. At the beginning, the company was specialized in the field of steel tubes, but thanks to its growth ambitions, the Sekkat family had made Maghreb Steel a major player in the Moroccan steel sector. In the same logic of development, the top management of Maghreb Steel launched in 2007 in the adventure to create the first production complex of cold rolling in Morocco – an investment that pushed Maghreb Steel to resort to a debt of more than 6bn dirhams (DH) with a consortium of six banks and would have allowed the company a huge leap in growth, except that the decision-makers of the group Sekkat could not see coming the economic crisis of 2008 causing the fall of steel prices by 62% compared to 2007. Thus, from its effective launch in 2010, the activity of hot rolling would become, for the company, a regrettable orientation. Moreover, the national market could not absorb all the production of the complex that the company called Blad Assolb. In response to this difficult situation, Maghreb Steel decided to store its goods to avoid selling at a loss. Faced with this situation of sectoral crisis and deterioration of its activity, Maghreb Steel lost its ability to honor its financial commitments with the banking consortium. From then on, the company became a case of failure, and the recovery measures had not ceased to be duplicated by the various stakeholders: State, Sekkat family, creditors and management of the company, having only one objective in mind: Save Maghreb Steel! This said, the present case study is dedicated to the financial and strategic analysis of the current situation and the evolution of the company throughout the crisis period to finally propose a suitable recovery plan to save Maghreb Steel.
Complexity academic level
The case study can be taught to students of master’s degrees in financial management as a synthesis of finance courses. It can also be used to train executives and managers working in family businesses as part of professional certification training.
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Subject code
CSS 1: Accounting and finance.
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The purpose of this study is to identify and discuss the role of intelligent materials in the emergence of new business models based on the Internet of Things (IoT). The study…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify and discuss the role of intelligent materials in the emergence of new business models based on the Internet of Things (IoT). The study suggests new areas for further research to better understand the influences of material intelligence on the business models in industry-wide service ecosystems.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses data from an earlier study of intelligent materials in the steel industry networks. The insights are based on 34 qualitative interviews among 15 organizations in the industry. The data are reanalyzed for this study.
Findings
The observations from the steel industry show how material intelligence can be harnessed for value creation in IoT-based business ecosystems. The results suggest that not all “things” connected to the IoT need to be intelligent, if information related to the things are collected, stored and shared for collaborative value creation among the actors involved in the business ecosystem.
Research limitations/implications
The study discusses how IoT deployments allow businesses to benefit from the velocity and variety of information associated with things and guides future research to study the ways in which value is created through IoT-enabled business models.
Practical implications
Rather than focusing on improving the efficiency of the supply network, the study presents new paths for competitive advantages in the new IoT ecosystems.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the mounting research on the IoT by identifying and discussing the critical aspects of how IoT can transform business models and supply networks within end-to-end ecosystems.
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Zachary Psick, Jonathan Simon, Rebecca Brown and Cyrus Ahalt
The purpose of this paper is to explore the policy Implications of aging prison populations.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the policy Implications of aging prison populations.
Design/methodology/approach
An examination of the worldwide aging trend in prison and its implications for correctional policy, including an examination of population aging in California prisons as a case example of needed reform.
Findings
Prison populations worldwide are aging at an unprecedented rate, and age-related medical costs have had serious consequences for jurisdictions struggling to respond to the changes. These trends are accompanied by a growing body of evidence that old age is strongly correlated with desistance from criminal behavior, suggesting an opportunity to at least partially address the challenges of an aging prison population through early release from prison for appropriate persons.
Originality/value
Some policies do exist that aim to reduce the number of older, chronically ill or disabled and dying people in prison, but they have not achieved that goal on a sufficient scale. An examination of the situation in California shows that recognizing how the healthcare needs of incarcerated people change as they age – and how aging and aging-related health changes often decrease an older person’s likelihood of repeat offense – is critical to achieving effective and efficient policies and practices aimed at adequately caring for this population and reducing their numbers in prisons when appropriate.
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Robert McMasters, Zachary J. Harth, Ryan P. Taylor and George M. Brooke
The purpose of the present research is to examine very small-sized samples of approximately 2-mm diameters. For samples of this size, the holder must make contact with the entire…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present research is to examine very small-sized samples of approximately 2-mm diameters. For samples of this size, the holder must make contact with the entire perimeter surface of the sample, and the sample is held in place by friction. This necessitates a mathematical model for the direct solution which accommodates the holder and a contact resistance between the holder and the sample.
Design/methodology/approach
Most flash diffusivity testing is performed on samples which are nominally 12-13 mm in diameter and are held by only a small contact area around the perimeter of the sample in a holder. With an experiment set up in this way, the effects of conduction between the sample and the holder are normally ignored.
Findings
This research examines the effects of the holder and the contact resistance on the measured thermal diffusivity of the sample and includes experimental results from laboratory measurements.
Originality/value
This work provides a method for finding thermal diffusivity for extremely small samples. This capability is important in cases involving precious materials or highly toxic materials where only small samples are available.
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Radhia Chabbi, Noureddine Ferhoune and Fouzia Bouabdallah
This research aims to study the materials that compose older reinforced concrete bridges which are damaged and degrading to explain the mechanisms and origins of various…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to study the materials that compose older reinforced concrete bridges which are damaged and degrading to explain the mechanisms and origins of various disorders. Therefore, this work will contribute to providing answers on the capacity of nondestructive evaluation method during the diagnosis. In addition to the characterization of affected structures, it will aim to provide effective solutions for different serious pathologies.
Design/methodology/approach
In this context, two bridges located on NH16 and NH21, respectively, were studied in Annaba city (north-east Algeria), specifically in El-Hadjar municipality located in the central industrial zone of Pont-Bouchet. This study makes it possible to make conclusions from the in-depth diagnosis based on disorders exposition causes and mechanical characteristics evolution by non-destructive testing (NDT) tools. Furthermore, solutions are proposed, including conservation maintenance of these degraded structures.
Findings
All degradations can be the result of several factors: either human (poor design) or chemical (surface water, wastewater and groundwater quality (acidic or basic)). In addition to other natural causes (geological formations, flood phenomena or climate), NDT tools play a major role in the evaluating mechanical performance of degraded structures (resistance and hardness).
Research limitations/implications
The NDT techniques can be transmitted to civil engineering experts because their training is limited regarding mechanical and structural construction.
Practical implications
NDT tools are the most suitable for in-situ assessing, and the concrete constructions health state, so far from financial problems.
Social implications
Degraded bridge diagnosis by NDT testing is necessary for a thorough safety evaluation (mechanical performance, strength and deformability), to protect human lives and design durability.
Originality/value
This is an original paper which contains new information at different scales and from special fields, based on an evaluation using NDT tools on real degraded structures. It can be used to improve the knowledge of materials employed in a bridge without performing expensive direct tests or the need for destroying it.
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Hsuying C. Ward, Ming-Tsan P. Lu, Brendan H. O'Connor and Terry Overton
The purpose of this paper is to outline findings from practitioner research with a university faculty learning community (FLC) that organized itself to effect bottom-up change…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline findings from practitioner research with a university faculty learning community (FLC) that organized itself to effect bottom-up change. The study explores beliefs about the efficacy of collaboration among members of the FLC and serves as a best case of grassroots faculty collaboration during a period of institutional change.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a case study using semi-structured interviews with FLC members and document review of short-term learning data from students who participated in workshops offered by the FLC.
Findings
Creative faculty responses to challenges posed by large-scale institutional transformation improved the teaching and learning environment for faculty and students. This case study highlights four characteristics that were crucial to the success of this FLC and which could provide a helpful starting point for faculty collaboration at other institutions.
Research limitations/implications
This is a preliminary, self-reflective study with a small number of participants working at a unique institution. Findings are presented not as strictly generalizable truths about faculty collaboration in higher education, but as “lessons learned” that may be valuable to other faculty seeking to take a more proactive role in contexts of institutional change.
Practical implications
This case study highlights four characteristics that were crucial to the success of this FLC and which could provide a helpful starting point for faculty collaboration at other institutions.
Social implications
This study illustrates how bottom-up, faculty-led collaboration can address institutional problems in a university setting. Creative faculty responses to challenges posed by large-scale institutional transformation can improve the teaching and learning environment for faculty and students.
Originality/value
This study documents one FLC’s innovative responses to institutional challenges and shifts the conversation about university-based teaching and learning away from bureaucratic mandates related to faculty interactions and productivity and toward faculty’s organic responses to changing institutional conditions.
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William D. Schneper and Colin Martin
Pebble Technology Corporation (Pebble) was an early entrant into the smartwatch industry. Pebble’s Founder, Eric Migicovsky, began thinking about creating a smartwatch in 2008…
Abstract
Synopsis
Pebble Technology Corporation (Pebble) was an early entrant into the smartwatch industry. Pebble’s Founder, Eric Migicovsky, began thinking about creating a smartwatch in 2008 while still an undergraduate engineering student. After selling about 1,500 prototype watches, he was accepted into Silicon Valley’s prestigious Y Combinator business start-up program. Finding it difficult to attract investors, Migicovsky launched a crowdfunding campaign that raised a record-breaking $10.27m on Kickstarter. The case concludes shortly after Apple’s unveiling of its soon-to-be-released Apple Watch. The case provides an opportunity to evaluate Pebble’s various strategic options at the time of Apple’s announcement.
Research methodology
The authors observed over 30 h of video and audio recordings of speeches, interviews and other events involving Pebble’s founder, other Pebble executives, investors and competitors. These recordings are all publicly available. Whenever possible, the authors also reviewed the Twitter feeds, Facebook sites and personal websites of Pebble’s top executives over time. Similarly, the authors followed Pebble’s official website, corporate blog and Kickstarter campaign websites. The authors also drew from numerous media reports. Due to the public nature of the data, no company release is provided nor has any information been disguised in any way.
Relevant courses and levels
The case is designed for both undergraduate and graduate students for courses in strategic management.
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Somkiat Mansumitrchai, Michael S. Minor and Sameer Prasad
This study examines the pattern of entry mode strategies of large U.S. and Japanese firms in the years 1987 to 1993. By following a total of 972 transactions, we found the country…
Abstract
This study examines the pattern of entry mode strategies of large U.S. and Japanese firms in the years 1987 to 1993. By following a total of 972 transactions, we found the country of origin of the investment had the most significant effect on the entry mode strategy. Further analysis indicated that U.S. firms favor acquisitions, followed by joint ventures and startups, whereas Japanese organizations prefer joint ventures to acquisitions and startups. In general, multinational firms from both countries avoid startups. Our findings suggest that governments should encourage U.S. investment if they are seeking capital inflows, but encourage Japanese involvement if they want locals to have greater operational control.
Jan A. Pfister, David Otley, Thomas Ahrens, Claire Dambrin, Solomon Darwin, Markus Granlund, Sarah L. Jack, Erkki M. Lassila, Yuval Millo, Peeter Peda, Zachary Sherman and David Sloan Wilson
The purpose of this multi-voiced paper is to propose a prosocial paradigm for the field of performance management and management control systems. This new paradigm suggests…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this multi-voiced paper is to propose a prosocial paradigm for the field of performance management and management control systems. This new paradigm suggests cultivating prosocial behaviour and prosocial groups in organizations to simultaneously achieve the objectives of economic performance and sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors share a common concern about the future of humanity and nature. They challenge the influential assumption of economic man from neoclassical economic theory and build on evolutionary science and the core design principles of prosocial groups to develop a prosocial paradigm.
Findings
Findings are based on the premise of the prosocial paradigm that self-interested behaviour may outperform prosocial behaviour within a group but that prosocial groups outperform groups dominated by self-interest. The authors explore various dimensions of performance management from the prosocial perspective in the private and public sectors.
Research limitations/implications
The authors call for theoretical, conceptual and empirical research that explores the prosocial paradigm. They invite any approach, including positivist, interpretive and critical research, as well as those using qualitative, quantitative and interventionist methods.
Practical implications
This paper offers implications from the prosocial paradigm for practitioners, particularly for executives and managers, policymakers and educators.
Originality/value
Adoption of the prosocial paradigm in research and practice shapes what the authors call the prosocial market economy. This is an aspired cultural evolution that functions with market competition yet systematically strengthens prosociality as a cultural norm in organizations, markets and society at large.